Leicester City must plot Reading FC striker move after Danny Ings twist | OneFootball

Leicester City should line up a move for Reading striker Jack Marriott this summer after a deal for Danny Ings fell through

Leicester City are in the midst of preparing for life back in League One for just the second time in their entire history next season, as Russell Martin continues his search for his new star centre-forward.

As Leicester City prepares for life in League One for just the second time in their entire history, head coach Russell Martin is looking to stamp his authority on the Foxes squad.

It goes without saying that the expectation for Leicester is an immediate return to the Championship, and having already made the additions of Liam Cullen, Alex McCarthy, Tommy Watson, and Christian McFarlane, that ambition has become clear for all to see.

However, with Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew having left the club following the expiry of their contracts, the centre-forward role is looking relatively weak for the Foxes heading into next season, with both Bobby Decordova-Reid and 19-year-old Kirsten Otchere filling in during pre-season.

Martin did attempt to sign former Liverpool, Southampton, and Aston Villa forward Danny Ings on a free transfer, but that deal fell through, as the former Rangers head coach should target a striker who outperformed his expected goals by eight in League One just last season.

Leicester City should target Reading striker Jack Marriott this summer after Danny Ings' move collapses

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Ings, 34, has scored just six league goals across the last four years in spells with West Ham United and Sheffield United, though with over 70 goals in the Premier League to his name across his career, clearly knows where the back of the net is.

However, with that deal having fallen through, Leicester have no other choice but to focus their attentions elsewhere.

According to a report by Slovenian outlet Planet Nogomet, the Foxes are closing in on a deal worth between €1.7 million and €2million for Olimpija Ljubljana's Admir Bristric, with the Bosnian reportedly heading to the English third tier.

However, having never played in England before, it would be a risk to rely solely upon the 23-year-old up top, as Martin should plot a move for Reading striker Jack Marriott instead.

Marriott, 31, has just shy of 400 games in the EFL across spells in League Two, League One, and the Championship with the likes of Luton Town, Peterborough United, and Derby County.

The Englishman recently hit 16 goals and grabbed three assists in just 24 League One games last season for Reading, averaging nearly a goal contribution every 90 minutes.

Why Jack Marriott would be an excellent option for Leicester City next season

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Despite not quite being a spring chicken, Marriott is about as guaranteed to score goals in League One as anyone else.

According to FotMob, he managed to find the back of the net 16 times last season from an expected goal return of just 7.50, an overperformance of 8.50.

Had it not been for a hamstring injury in the second half of last campaign, Marriott was more than well on his way to hitting over 20 goals in League One, and would have almost certainly claimed the golden boot if he carried on that trajectory.

With Leicester, he would surely have even more chances to find the back of the net than he did with Reading; if he is capable of translating that form in Berkshire to the King Power Stadium, he could be an incredible addition.

Under contract until the summer of 2028, Reading almost certainly won't want to sell, especially not on the cheap, though the Foxes surely would be able to afford their asking price.

Leicester are looking for their heir to Jamie Vardy, and whilst age is not on Marriott's side in this regard, he would be an incredible option for Martin next season, and simply must be considered, despite his patchy fitness record.

Russell Martin must sign a new centre-forward for Leicester City this summer and should consider Jack Marriott

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With Daka and Ayew having gone, Reid, Otchere, and Jake Evans cannot be Martin's centre-forward options heading into next season.

As Leicester prepares to travel to Notts County for their opening game of the League One season, who will be the starting centre-forward that day remains to be seen.

Marriott, for his major overperformance in his expected goals last season, does come with some red flags, most notably his injury record, as he would have to be carefully monitored throughout the campaign.

And whether he is capable of hitting those numbers again in another side also should raise some concerns, but as far as League One goalscorer's go, Marriott is one of the best in the business, and simply must be considered.